A council has backed a campaign calling for a smartphone-free childhood.
City of Ely Council gave unanimous support to the growing movement at a meeting on January 19.
The campaign, which encourages families to delay giving smartphones and access to social media to children, is part of a wider effort to protect young people’s mental health.
Dr Becky Ward, councillor and local GP, said: "I’m delighted the City of Ely Council unanimously agreed to support the Smartphone Free Childhood campaign.
"We are currently raising the first generation with unlimited access to smartphones and social media use, and it is becoming apparent that use of these devices is not risk-free.
"There are rising rates of anxiety, depression, self-harm, suicide, and accidental death by misadventure in this generation."
She stressed the importance of informed decision-making for parents and carers.
Dr Ward said: "The City of Ely Council agree we have a duty to help protect our children’s mental health and wellbeing, and we wish to encourage parents and caregivers to make informed decisions with smartphone use in their children.
"The council wish to be proactive and will support the campaign by helping disseminate information throughout Ely by use of the digital signage boards.
"We will also be requesting our colleagues at East Cambridgeshire District Council and Cambridgeshire County Council also consider supporting this important campaign."
Amy Ruffell, SFC lead for Cambridgeshire, previously presented to the council in October 2025 to highlight the concerns of parents regarding children's exposure to smartphones and social media.
She welcomed the council’s decision.
Ms Ruffell said: "We are absolutely delighted that City of Ely Council has unanimously agreed to proactively support SFC and our local efforts.
"Their decision sends a powerful message that the Council cares about the mental health, safety and future of our children."
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